brooks + scarpa: metalsa center for manufacturing innovation

brooks + scarpa: metalsa center for manufacturing innovation
all images courtesy of brooks + scarpa architects

the new ‘metalsa center for manufacturing innovation’ is situated on a 100,000 square foot site within the new research and technology innovation park (PIIT) in monterrey, developed by the mexican government–the campus is set to host more than 50 research centers dedicated to R&D, including the development of technology and materials. designed by brooks + scarpa architects the structure has been conceived to reject the nefarious response one has to typical industrial buildings. they american firm has approached the architecture in a way that sees it preserving the integrity of the high bay industrial facility and program, while also considering the occupants’ needs by providing a model environment for users and visitors.

the building is rapped in a perforated and etched metal skin

the ‘metalsa center for manufacturing innovation’ is programmatically divided into two volumes–warehouse / labs and office functions. in its entirety, the 55,000 square foot space hosts a research lab, office and industrial testing facility serving an automotive industry client who designs and produces automotive and heavy truck chassis. the first phase encompasses a total of 15,5000 square feet that includes 5,500 square feet of office space and 11,000 square feet of research labs and warehouse space for testing and developing prototypes. the second phase, offers an additional 5,5000 square feet of office space, and 34,000 square feet of research labs and warehouse space.

detail of the saw-toothed roofs geometries

the facility has been conceived with a saw-toothed roof which reflects the geometry of the surrounding monterrey mountains. the severely angled elements allow an abundant amount of daylight to filter through the spaces below–at the northernmost elevations–while providing a strong connection to the landscape both visually and metaphorically. the façade is wrapped in a distinct perforated metal skin that has been made by the client within their own auto manufacturing complex nearby. the custom aluminium exterior is perforated and etched, orchestrating areas of light and shadow, while also limiting views into the research areas, maintaining a certain amount of necessary privacy to protect proprietary trade secrets.

the upper story of the offices cantilever over the lower level to the west which is enveloped by the punctured metal layer. here, one finds the main entry façade which is flanked by a sunken garden to the north, overlooked by surrounding offices. the lower floors are primarily glazed to open up the interior and reveal portions of the research laboratory, machine room and other industrial functions that do not require visual security. from the exterior, the warehouse appears to float lightly over the mechanical and intellectual heart of the program, reversing the notion of an industrial building’s need to be solid and protected. instead, the ‘metalsa center for manufacturing innovation’ seems open, intentionally revealing parts of its interior functions to the public.

view of the upper story offices that are protected by the punctured layer of metal